What is Anovulation? Its Symptoms, causes and Treatment
Are you wondering what ovulation is and when it happens? Or maybe you're curious about the difference between anovulation and oligo-ovulation? If so, this article is for you.
In it, we'll discuss the basics of anovulation and its effects on women's fertility. We'll also explore the different types of anovulation and how to identify them. So read on and learn everything you need to know about ovulation and anovulation.
Ovulation is a crucial process in a woman's reproductive cycle. Once a month, an egg is released from the ovary and travels down the Fallopian tube to the uterus. If the egg is fertilized by a man's sperm, it will enter the womb and develop into a baby.
What is Anovulation?
Anovulation is the medical term for when a woman stops ovulating. This can be due to a number of reasons, such as stress, weight gain, or medical issues. If you're not ovulating, it's difficult to conceive because your eggs won't be released during ovulation.
What is Oligo-Ovulation?
Oligo ovulation is a form of irregular ovulation in which a woman ovulates only a few times throughout the month. This can be an issue if you are trying to get pregnant because it decreases the chances of you ovulating regularly enough to create a healthy embryo. Additionally, it can also make it more difficult to track your cycle and predict when you are likely to ovulate.
Anovulation and Infertility
There are a few key factors that can lead to infertility, one of which is anovulation. Anovulation occurs when an egg is released from the ovary, but the egg does not fertilize and becomes implanted in the uterus. This is a common condition and can occur for many reasons.
Sometimes anovulation is due to an imbalance in the hormones produced by the body, and other times it can be caused by stress or other factors.
Hormonal irregularities can also lead to other health problems, they are:
- Abnormal levels of progesterone
- Lack of fertile cervical mucus
- Shorter luteal phase
- Thinning or over-thickening of the endometrium
Symptoms of Anovulation
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor:
- irregular or absent periods,
- weight gain or loss,
- acne,
- low libido,
- PMS,
- fatigue,
- and mood swings.
If your monthly cycles are shorter than 21 days, or longer than 36 days, you may have ovulatory dysfunction e.g. if one month your period length is 22 days but in the next, it's 36 days, the variations between these cycles could signal an ovulation problem.
Causes of Anovulation or Ovulatory Dysfunction
There are several possible causes of anovulation, but the most common is a polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Other causes include:
- Endometriosis,
- Thyroid problems,
- Hyperprolactinemia
- Extremely high-stress levels
- PCOS-related obesity,
- Abnormalities in the pituitary gland,
- and medications such as birth control pills and hormones.
Various Tests to Diagnose Anovulation
There are a number of tests that can be used to diagnose anovulation, including
- serum ovarian hormones,
- urinary hormones,
- blood tests that look for indicators of ovulation such as luteinizing hormone (LH) and progesterone.
- and pelvic ultrasound.
In some cases, laparoscopy or hysteroscopy may also be necessary to assess whether there is an obstruction in the fallopian tubes or elsewhere in the reproductive system.
If the diagnosis is confirmed, treatment options may include lifestyle changes (such as stress reduction) or medications (such as folic acid supplements).
Treatment available for Anovulation
Some general tips that may help include:
- Taking a multi-nutrient and mineral supplement to help balance the hormones and promote fertility
- Taking ovulation testing kits to track your cycle and see when you are most likely to ovulate
- Taking progesterone supplements to help restore the balance of hormones and promote fertility
- Practicing safe sex to reduce the risk of pregnancy
The best treatment for anovulation will depend on the individual's symptoms and health history. However, some general recommendations include eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and taking supplements such as vitamin B12, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids.
If you are experiencing symptoms such as irregular periods, chronic fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight gain, it is important to see a doctor for a diagnosis.
Once you have been diagnosed with anovulation, the doctor will recommend a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs.
Some treatments that have been shown to be effective include oral contraceptives, fertility treatments such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF), and herbs and supplements.
Always consult with a doctor before starting any type of treatment, as there is always a risk when undertaking any medical procedure.